While traditional style engagement rings are gorgeous and the go-to look for many betrothed couples, for some a more ‘off the beaten path’ style is a better match. Fortunately for them, there are plenty of non-traditional styles to choose from and they’re impossible not to love. If a classic look isn’t for you, have a look at the lovely alternative styles below:

1. Geometric shapes – Geometric engagement rings have a clean, fresh look, and manage to appear both classic and contemporary at the same time. Like the lovely example you see below this style features geometrically-shaped gemstones and angular settings, such as oval engagement rings, rectangular engagement rings, salt and pepper hexagon diamond rings, etc.

Hexagon salt & pepper diamond engagement ring

2. Alternative gemstones – Another fabulous alternative are colored gemstones such as morganite, moonstone, amethysts, sapphires, and blue topaz. And while they’re becoming increasingly popular, they are still far less common than the traditional diamond engagement ring. Here’s an example that demonstrate just how striking engagement rings with colorful gemstones can be:

Green / blue topaz set in yellow gold and detailed with white diamonds.

And for those of you who still like the look of diamonds, but not the cost, you might consider lab grown diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, but are significantly less costly than natural diamonds. Here’s a rundown of their similarities and differences.

3. Understated engagement rings – Minimalist or understated engagement rings are the opposite of sparkly and elaborate rings. Understated rings have simple and elegant designs and features. They usually have a single focal stone paired with a minimalist, modern band. The overall look is clean and chic.

Oval diamond solitaire set in neat pear shaped claws with a diamond set band.

4. Heart-shaped rings – The heart is a classic symbol of love, so heart-shaped or heart-cut rings make for fitting, yet unique and beautiful engagement rings. Heart-shaped gemstones are essentially pear-shaped stones with a separation at the top to give it a heart shape. Because this cut makes the stone reflect its other facets, it gives the ring extra sparkle.

Heart shaped diamond engagement ring with green opal halo.

5. Pearl engagement rings – Pearl engagements are graceful and elegant and perfect for couples looking for a more unique look than that of traditional engagement rings. Another bonus is that they come in diverse colors (depending upon the type of pearl), giving you a greater variety of choices. One drawback? They’re not as durable as diamonds or other precious gemstones, so extra care is required to keep pearls looking their best.

Black pearl engagement ring.

6. Celtic style engagement rings – Even if you can’t trace your lineage to Celtic origins, the rich, stunning and unique look of Celtic engagement rings will make your heritage irrelevant. And there are so many choices: the Celtic cross, the shield knot, the Dara knot, the sailor knot, the love knot, the spiral knot, and the Trinity knot – take your pick!

Princess cut precious stones inside a Celtic knot shank

7. Vintage engagement rings. It seems like everyone is falling in love with vintage-style engagement rings and with good reason – they’re gorgeous! Vintage engagement rings tend to be more ornate and take their inspiration from the Victorian or Edwardian eras or even the Art Deco period. They often have colored stones like rubies or emeralds and intricate details, all of which add to their sense of romance and elegance.

Vintage style engagement ring set with a center oval diamond and round emerald and gold detailing.

8. Cluster engagement rings. Pretty much guaranteed to turn heads wherever you go, cluster engagement rings take glamour and sparkle to a new level. Cluster rings are composed of a center stone surrounded by a collection of smaller stones and can be set in a variety of precious metals, use different precious stones, and be designed in just about any style. They are unique and beautiful, and ideal as an alternative engagement ring.

Cluster engagement ring made up of mixed gemstones in different shapes.

9. Raw or uncut stones. Raw engagement rings are another spectacular, one-of-a-kind look. These rings use raw or uncut stones that retain their natural shape and texture rather than use a stone cut into a traditional, symmetrical shape that is seen with most engagement rings. There are several stone options available for this look such as rose quartz, raw diamonds (especially grey, salt and pepper or black diamonds), and if you like a style inspired by nature, this look will appeal to you.

Alluring, exciting, and unique

The alternative engagement rings shown above are just a small sample of less traditional and more one-of-kind engagement rings. Have you ever though about turning a tattoo to jewelry? The possibilities are endless, especially with CAD jewelry design. Let us know when you’re ready to get started. We’re here to help!

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